Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Joe Rogan

Public opinion and media debates around Joe Rogan—discover key moments of controversy.

Joe Rogan is an American podcaster, UFC color commentator, comedian, actor, and former television host. He is best known for hosting The Joe Rogan Experience, a highly popular podcast that has been the most streamed podcast on Spotify since 2020. His podcast covers a wide range of topics and often features long-form conversations with guests from diverse backgrounds.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1993: Rogan Accuses Mencia of Joke Thievery

Since 1993, Joe Rogan had been accusing Carlos Mencia of joke thievery.

2005: Rogan accuses Carlos Mencia of joke thievery

In 2005, Joe Rogan reignited a long-standing claim by writing a blog entry on his website accusing comedian Carlos Mencia of joke thievery.

February 2007: Rogan Confronts Carlos Mencia on Stage

In February 2007, Joe Rogan confronted Carlos Mencia on stage at The Comedy Store in Hollywood regarding joke thievery allegations.

2010: Accusation of Joke Thievery

In 2010, Joe Rogan accused comedian Dane Cook of stealing jokes.

April 2021: Contentious Remarks on COVID-19 Vaccines

In April 2021, Joe Rogan made contentious remarks about COVID-19 vaccines, claiming that young, healthy people do not need to be vaccinated, sparking criticism.

September 1, 2021: Positive COVID-19 Test and Treatment

On September 1, 2021, Joe Rogan tested positive for COVID-19 and began a treatment regimen including monoclonal antibodies, prednisone, azithromycin, NAD drip, a vitamin drip, and ivermectin.

January 2022: Open Letter from Scientists and Healthcare Workers

In January 2022, 270 scientists, physicians, and healthcare workers wrote an open letter to Spotify expressing concern over "false and societally harmful assertions" on The Joe Rogan Experience, requesting a moderation policy for misinformation.

January 24, 2022: Neil Young Demands Spotify Remove Music Over Rogan

On January 24, 2022, Neil Young demanded Spotify remove his music if they didn't remove The Joe Rogan Experience, citing concerns about misinformation on the platform.

February 4, 2022: Spotify Removes 70 Episodes

On February 4, 2022, Spotify removed 70 episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience which pre-date the COVID-19 pandemic, after discussions with Rogan about racially insensitive language.

February 2022: Spotify Removes Episodes

In February 2022, Spotify removed 113 episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience due to concerns over racist and insensitive language.

February 2022: Controversy Over Racial Slurs

In February 2022, singer India Arie shared a compilation of Joe Rogan saying racial slurs on The Joe Rogan Experience, leading to apologies and debate over context.

April 2022: Rogan criticizes transgender women competing in sports

In April 2022, Joe Rogan voiced criticism of transgender women competing in women's sports, including MMA, and commented on Lia Thomas.

October 2022: Rogan Shares Litter Box Hoax

In October 2022, Rogan shared the discredited litter boxes in schools hoax during an interview with Tulsi Gabbard.

February 2023: Rogan Makes Controversial Comments About Jewish People and Money

In February 2023, Joe Rogan stated the "idea that Jewish people are not into money is ridiculous." The Anti-Defamation League condemned his comment as reflecting "antisemitic tropes about Jews and money".

February 2024: Rogan Promotes Debunked Claims About AIDS and AZT

During a podcast in February 2024, Rogan promoted debunked claims about poppers and AIDS, and falsely claimed AZT killed people faster than AIDS. He also praised AIDS denialist Peter Duesberg.

March 2024: Comments on Israel's Actions in Gaza

In March 2024, Joe Rogan described Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip as a "genocide" but appreciated counter-arguments from Coleman Hughes eight days later, acknowledging Hughes' deeper understanding.

April 2024: Lawsuit Filed Against Onnit

In April 2024, a lawsuit was filed against Onnit, alleging that its 'Alpha BRAIN' supplement performed no better than a placebo, accompanied by "false, misleading and deceptive advertising".

November 2024: Criticism of Russian Invasion of Ukraine

In November 2024, Joe Rogan said the Russian invasion of Ukraine was "100% wrong". He criticized U.S. president Joe Biden and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, leading to Wladimir Klitschko accusing him of "repeating Russian propaganda".

2024: Rogan Supports Donald Trump

In 2024, Joe Rogan supported Donald Trump, later criticizing some of his policies.

January 10, 2025: Rogan Interviews Zuckerberg on Facebook's COVID-19 Post Removal

On January 10, 2025, Joe Rogan interviewed Mark Zuckerberg, who claimed the Biden administration pressured Facebook to remove posts about COVID-19 vaccine side effects.

March 2025: Criticism of Trump's Feud with Canada

In March 2025, Joe Rogan criticized Donald Trump’s feud with Canada as "stupid", noting that Canadians "booed us over tariffs" during sporting events.

April 2025: Criticism of Deportation Operations

By April 2025, Joe Rogan referred to the Trump administration's operation to deport immigrants to El Salvador as "horrific."

April 2025: Rogan Comments on the Re-emergence of a Disability Slur

In April 2025, Rogan commented on the re-emergence of the disability slur "retard" into mainstream culture, attributing it to podcasts.

June 2025: Liver King Arrested after Threats Against Rogan

In June 2025, fitness influencer Liver King was arrested after making violent consecutive threats against Joe Rogan on social media.

July 2025: Discontent with Trump Administration's Handling of Epstein Files

In July 2025, Joe Rogan expressed his discontentment with the Trump administration's handling of the Epstein files, mentioning Jeffrey Epstein's name more than forty times in a podcast episode. Additionally, Rogan expressed concern with the Trump administration's deportation efforts, referring to the deportation of foreign students on college campuses.

September 2025: Rogan Criticized for Misinterpreting Climate Data

In September 2025, Rogan was criticized by Jessica Tierney for misinterpreting a global temperature chart, claiming temperatures are cooling despite evidence of global warming.